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Friday, September 20, 2013

Book Review: Rain Forest Adventures

Rain Forest Adventures is comprised of short,
two to three page stories that are interesting and informative, depicting the
habitat and behaviors of many rain forest creatures. These stories can be read
in approximately five to ten minutes or less, and, like other books in this
series, each chapter concludes with a short spiritual lesson. Children will
likely benefit from further discussion following these lessons as it is
somewhat difficult to convey the context and meaning of a Scripture in a few,
short sentences.

There were a number
of times when Banner's theology seemed ambiguous. For example, he wrote:

"There is
nothing at all a caterpillar can do about its future state. It either becomes a
butterfly or a moth, according to its kind. It cannot choose between light and
darkness. We can. We can be good or bad. We can obey God or disobey Him. We can
be saved or lost. And it is for us to choose...Deuteronomy 30:19, 20" (pg
51).

Later, we read:

"It is clear to
me that there are two natures common to all men. If we are honest with
ourselves we can recognize their presence in our own hearts. We can see them at
work in our children. In young and old alike is the conflict between good and
bad. Few will dare say that they are all good, yet none will denounce
themselves as wholly bad...There is a way, not only to get away from sin but
also to keep away. Paul gives us the answer: 'I thank God, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.' " at which point Banner quotes James 4:7, 8 (pg. 54).

There were also
unclear statements such as "nature" provided emus with long necks
(pg. 8) and "As they [termites] contact Mother Earth, they shed their
flimsy wings…" (pg. 89).

Ultimately, Banner
writes to encourage children to lay up treasures in heaven, to follow Christ
who is "the Way", and to fight the good fight of faith. Readers will
find themselves challenged to count the cost of following Christ and to persevere
during hardship. Along the way, children will also learn many surprising facts
about rain forest life. With detailed descriptions of hunting expeditions and
forest dangers, Rain Forest Adventureswill
likely capture the attention of many children (around ages 7-12), especially
those particularly interested in wildlife, hunting, and/or the rain forest
habitat.

(Note: Several
stories are probably not best suited for the sensitive at heart. There is a
description of an anaconda attacking a disobedient boy in the river (complete
with sketch), as well as, numerous references to killer piranha fishthat only attack where there is bleeding, not
to mention wild boars and boa constrictors.)